The more we know Christ, the greater our discernment, we will notice more evil than ever before because our eyes will be open. With that knowledge and wisdom comes sorrow but also strength to endue it.
Ecc. 1:18 "For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."
Philippians 1:9-10 "9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,"
Hebrews 5:14 "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Proverbs 2:5-1 "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Those who only want to enjoy life, ignoring or denying everything that is evil around them, will feel content, but they are not useful for the kingdom of God.
We cannot be truthful and honest while denying truth simply to feel good. We are strong when we can admit truth no matter how ugly, feeling a sense of sorrow over evil while at the same time retaining that deep down sense of joy because Christ knows all about it.
Denying evil does not change the evil and it is lying. Prayer over the evil can bring change, but if we deny that it exists then we won't pray. Who is the focus when we deny evil? It is a selfish person who prefers positive friendly encounters all the time, there is no sense of helping anyone or glorifying God when our focus is our self.
We all love to feel good, but as believers, our positive outlook has nothing to do with avoiding the truth. Our sense of well being comes from knowing Who is in control and that all things have a purpose.
Pretending everything is alright, no matter what the sin people are involved in, is lying and unproductive. When safety is the goal of a believer, then narcissism has taken over.
IF we want to be useful for the kingdom, then we take things as they come, calling them what they are, handling them God's way while carrying on for Christ. His joy surpasses anything we have to endure.
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